If you’re a hearing aid user, you probably already know that you can’t get your hearing aids wet. While you’re diligent about taking your hearing aids out before showering or swimming, there isn’t much you can do about the rain. Let’s discuss what to do when your hearing aids get wet, as well as some other strategies you can use to keep them safe during the rainy season.
Can Hearing Aids Get Moisture Damage from Rain?
While a couple of errant raindrops aren’t enough to cause major harm to your devices, the real danger of moisture, especially in rainy or humid conditions, is the cumulative effect of it. If your hearing aids get a little wet every day without time to dry out properly, that can build up. When water accumulates in an electronic device, it can cause issues with the electrical components and the battery, leading to malfunctions and power issues.
Drying Hearing Aids
During the wet season, we recommend drying your hearing aids thoroughly every day using a hearing aid dehumidifier or dryer. These will remove water particles from the hearing aid. Dehumidifiers work passively, using a desiccant—such as silica gel—to absorb moisture from the surrounding area. Dryers work more actively, providing a gentle heat source that evaporates water off the hearing aids without causing heat damage.
If you get caught in a rainstorm and your hearing aids are very wet, the dryer is a better solution. It can remove water quickly, preventing the moisture from lingering too long. If you need only to combat the effects of a drizzly day, a dehumidifier will work just fine. If you don’t have a dehumidifier, uncooked rice can also work, although not as well.
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Safe in the Rain
If you find yourself caught in the rain, do your best to keep rain from landing on your hearing aids. A good rule of thumb is: if your face is getting wet, so are your hearing aids. Block the rain with an umbrella, hood, hat or even your hands, or use specialized hearing aid accessories like sleeves. Be proactive and keep an extra umbrella hooded jacket in your car so you always have an option on hand.
Waterproof Hearing Aids
Many modern hearing aids have some degree of water resistance, making them less susceptible to moisture damage from slighter sources, such as rain. Moreover, hearing aid technology is constantly improving, particularly in terms of water resistance, as water poses a significant hazard to hearing aid users. Water-resistant and waterproof hearing aids will offer you peace of mind should the weather take a turn.
If you’re interested in learning more about waterproof hearing aids, or if you want to discuss more strategies to keep your devices safe in inclement weather, contact Sound Advice. We’ll be happy to have a conversation about your hearing aids and how they can serve you and your lifestyle in our California weather.